Ideas discussed:

-Celebrate Durham in a one week event – create a destination for people to gather / visit.

We need a strong brand, connect urban and rural communities.

Eliminate red tape: create more networking opportunities.

Celebrate our achievements – use communications tools to celebrate the positives in our communities!

Build on what we have – grassroots / and build strong regional networks.

Packaging and partnering is important.

Provide an incubator / farmer’s market / hub.

We need a champion to lead this.

Re: SMEs (Small and Medium Sized businesses)

1-Education 2- Money: financial support 3 -Services: need resource support.

How can we create “open doors”?

Collective Durham Thinking. Building pride / cultural ambassadors to promote the region.

Gap: how do we engage the youth?

What does engagement look like? Take the fine arts to the plowing match! Mix it up.

Remove competition – and make it community.

Culture: AOT needs to continue. It needs to transition and be a part of the artistic communities – keep the story going – keep it alive!

Marion‘s group suggested the creation of a major signature event for emerging artists.

The group discussed the need for a major piece of public art in each access route to the region such as the 401 entrances.

Re: Small / Medium Sized Businesses

The group created STAN: and the idea that we need ongoing gatherings for the creative community / also recorded live to be broadcast via internet.

Szanne says the group wants one portal for communication in Durham Region.

The group supported the idea of one major community event – including all sectors.

Could we use existing spaces / and festivals and tie them in to one time frame?

Need to support the idea of incubator for the arts.

Culture: the group indicated tha Durham needs a cultural plan and an organization to implement the plan.

They also identified a need for a venue / hub for culture, funding, and a regional festival in the region.

The group discussed regional transportation – how do we build hubs / remove barriers.

Cultural diversity was an important aspect of the groups discussion as well.

Jason‘s group discussed ways to support SMEs (Small and Medium Size Enterprises) – suggested ideas including: leverage Business Advisory Centre of Durham Region, Councils, and Chambers to name a few. The group discussed micro lending programs, collaborative buying power…..and more.

Re: Culture: What is our culture? Define our brand – build a brand.

Emcee Dan Carter and Commissioner Garth Johns wrap up the AoT Think Tank at the University – lots of great ideas!!

Where are all my heritage colleagues today?

Heritage is culture too